Duron A. (Al) Dainwood, 67, of Westport, passed away Thursday, Aug. 26 at the Rosenthal Hospice Residence in Stamford.
Al Dainwood: Guitarist and vocalist. Contributed photo

Al was born March 26, 1943 in Dallas, Texas son of the late Duron A. and Bessie (Smith) Dainwood. He moved to Connecticut in July to be near his sister.

In 1971, Al moved to Houston, where he continued his career as a guitarist and vocalist, developing a loyal following for his sensitive baritone interpretations of The Great American Songbook.

A special favorite was “Here’s that Rainy Day”, by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke. Mr. Dainwood’s reputation extended from the East Coast to the Isle of Wight.

Robert George Ripston, 49, of Torrington and a former Westport resident, died Aug. 26.

Born in Rockford, Ill., he was the son of the late Robert and Laura Ripston. A 1980 graduate of Staples High School in Westport, he was employed many years at the Torrington Co.

He was particularly proud of helping with the aftermath of the San Francisco earthquake in 1989 as a volunteer firefighter.

Survivors include his brother Neil, sister-in-law Linda, sister Beth, brother-in-law Owen, nephew Kevin, niece Erin and best friend Barry Memorial donations may be made to the Last Post Animal Sanctuary, 95 Belden St., P.O. Box 259, Falls Village, CT 06031

Shirley Metcalf Meeker, age 82 of Beacon Falls, formerly of Fairfield, passed away peacefully with her family by her side Thursday, Aug. 26 at the Hewitt Memorial Hospital in Shelton.

Born in Fairfield the daughter of the late Jessie and Sarah Metcalf, she had been a Fairfield resident for most of her life. Shirley was a retired supervisor for the Westport Transit Authority.

Survivors include four children, Frederick Meeker, Jr. and his wife Tina of Shelton, Raymond Meeker and his wife Elisa of Beacon Falls, Harold Meeker and his wife Colleen of Shelton and Robert Meeker of Bridgeport; a sister, Dorothy Lotker of Bridgeport; five granddaughters: Kelli, Jodi, Nicole, Sara and Samantha Meeker; a great-grandson, Timothy Meeker; a son-in-law, Ivan Francetic of Seymour; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter, Karan Hine Francetic, a sister, Virginia Toth; and her loving companion, Harold Hine.

Graveside service will be private. In lieu flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Swim Across the Sound, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport, CT 06606.

Irene (Rene) M. Sabo Corcoran, 85, of Westport and formerly of Moorestown, N.J., died Aug. 23 at the Waterford Regional Hospital in Ireland.

Born in New York, she graduated from Cushing Academy and attended Cornell University until leaving for a theater career. She transferred to Catholic University toward the end of World War II, and then met and married decorated serviceman Joseph Corcoran.

She became director of the Moorestown Theater, working with Basil Rathbone, Mercedes McCambridge and Rue McClanahan. She like international travel, and visited China, Cuba, Italy, France, Austria and Mexico, but was particularly fond of Ireland.

Following the death of her eldest daughter, Mary, at the age of 17, Corcoran changed her career field to work in the insurance business. She was the winner of the Conference of Champions award many years and eventually opened her own branch of Allstate in Cherry Hill, N.J.